Senior Demand Planner

Travel: Approximately 40% travel across Germany to manufacturing, distribution, and commercial sites

Industry: Pharmaceutical / Life Sciences

Language Requirements: Fluent German and English

About the Company

Our client is a leading pharmaceutical organisation committed to delivering innovative healthcare solutions to patients across Europe. With a strong focus on operational excellence, quality, and supply chain performance, the business is looking to strengthen its planning function through the appointment of a Demand Planner based in Hamburg.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Supply Chain Planning Manager, the Demand Planner will play a critical role in ensuring accurate demand forecasting across a complex pharmaceutical product portfolio. Working closely with Commercial, Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, and Regulatory teams, you will translate market insights into robust demand plans that support high service levels, product availability, and regulatory compliance.

This position offers significant cross-functional exposure and approximately 40% travel across Germany to collaborate with manufacturing facilities, distribution centres, and commercial teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain accurate short, medium, and long-term demand forecasts across multiple product lines.
• Analyse historical sales data, market trends, launch plans, customer demand patterns, and inventory levels to generate demand forecasts.
• Lead and support demand review meetings as part of the monthly S&OP / IBP process.
• Partner closely with Commercial, Finance, Supply Chain, Quality, Regulatory, and Operations teams to align forecasts with business objectives.
• Monitor forecast accuracy and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Support inventory optimisation initiatives while maintaining high product availability and service levels.
• Evaluate the demand impact of new product launches, discontinuations, regulatory changes, and promotional activities.
• Provide regular reporting and insights on forecast performance, risks, and mitigation strategies.
• Travel regularly to sites across Germany to ensure alignment and strengthen stakeholder relationships.
• Drive planning best practices and contribute to broader supply chain transformation projects.

Candidate Profile

Required Experience

• 3-7 years of experience within Demand Planning, Forecasting, Supply Planning, or Supply Chain Planning.
• Previous experience within the pharmaceutical, life sciences, healthcare, medical device, or highly regulated manufacturing sectors.
• Strong understanding of demand planning methodologies and forecasting techniques.
• Experience participating in S&OP or Integrated Business Planning (IBP) processes.
• Proven ability to manage large datasets and translate analysis into actionable business decisions.

Skills & Qualifications

• Fluent German and English, both written and spoken.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with ERP and planning systems such as SAP IBP, SAP APO, SAP S/4HANA, Kinaxis, Blue Yonder, or similar.
• Advanced Excel and data analysis capabilities.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively across multiple sites and business functions.
• Strong attention to detail and appreciation of quality and compliance requirements within a regulated environment.